Impower and its human resources partner Penna will work alongside service users, staff and senior managers.

BBC: Private firm Impower runs Sandwell children's services

The council said it had also started to work with a private sector partner, iMPOWER to improve services.

BBC: Councillor Simon Hackett

Sandwell Council said it was already aware of serious problems and as a result had signed up with a private sector partner, iMPOWER to improve services.

BBC: Sandwell Council House